The 2025 United Nations Chinese Language Day and the 5th China Media Group (CMG) Chinese Language Video Festival were held at the UN Office in Geneva on Tuesday, April 15, 2025. The event, co-hosted by the CMG, the Permanent Mission of China to the UN Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, and the UN Office at Geneva, invited friends worldwide to share their "China Travel" stories through video.
Over 300 guests attended the event, which included representatives from the organizers, permanent representatives to the UN office in Geneva from around 50 countries, senior diplomats, and representatives of international organizations and institutions. The gathering underscored the global interest in Chinese culture and the importance of language as a bridge for international exchange.
Addressing the event via video link, Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and CMG president, expressed optimism about the growing popularity of Chinese culture. He noted that the increasing allure of Chinese stories has attracted more international viewers to explore China. Shen remarked, "China's development cannot be separated from the world and the world's prosperity also needs China," emphasizing his hope that through this event, more foreign friends will come to China to discover new opportunities.
Tatiana Valovaya, director-general of the UN office in Geneva, highlighted the significance of the Chinese language, stating that it has always been a bridge for exchanges and mutual learning among civilizations. She called for joint efforts to respect the diversity of civilizations to embrace a better future.
Chen Xu, permanent representative of China to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, added that the annual Chinese Language Day not only reflects the importance the UN places on Chinese language and culture but also illustrates the UN's firm commitment to promoting exchanges and mutual learning among world civilizations.
At the event, past winners of the Chinese Language Video Festival shared their experiences. Max Burns from the UK, who is passionate about Chinese cuisine, expressed his desire to travel across China and share his culinary adventures with a global audience. Meanwhile, Eleni Sotiriou from Greece hopes to return to China to study classical Chinese dance and explore more of the country's rich culture.
In addition to the festival, a new integrated media product named "China Travel with Cang Bao" was launched. This product, featuring Cang Bao, the mascot of UN Chinese Language Day, aims to engage audiences with Chinese stories in a relaxed and immersive way, utilizing digital technology to help them explore the rich Chinese cultural heritage.
As Chinese investment continues to surge globally, particularly in countries like Cambodia, the demand for Mandarin language skills is booming. In Sihanoukville, Cambodian linguist Um Keangseng opened a language school to meet this growing need for Mandarin lessons. He stated, "Every province has Chinese investors," indicating the extensive presence of Chinese businesses in the region.
Um Keangseng's Tai Zhong No 2 School has over 400 part-time students, ranging from elementary to college age, learning Mandarin—the world's most spoken first language. At 39 years old, Um grew up learning Chinese from his grandparents, who were migrants from Guangdong province. He recognized the importance of Mandarin in the current economic climate, noting that "Chinese and English are both equally important" in the context of local business opportunities.
The increasing popularity of Mandarin among Cambodians reflects a broader trend as more individuals seek to capitalize on the economic potential that comes with Chinese investment. As the language becomes a vital tool for communication and business, schools like Um's are playing a crucial role in equipping students with the necessary skills to thrive in a rapidly changing economic landscape.
In summary, the 2025 UN Chinese Language Day and CMG Video Festival not only celebrated the rich cultural heritage of China but also highlighted the global interest in learning the language. With events like these, the UN and organizations like CMG are fostering a greater understanding of Chinese culture and language, while also encouraging international collaboration and exchange. As countries like Cambodia embrace the Chinese language, the future looks bright for cultural and economic connections between nations.
